New York EV drivers are about to lose a major incentive with nearly 50,000 people affected
Published on Aug 07, 2025 at 11:32 AM (UTC+4)
by Callum Tokody
Last updated on Aug 07, 2025 at 8:57 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Tom Wood
EV drivers in New York are about to lose their shortcut as the Clean Pass program, which gave solo drivers access to the HOV [High Occupancy Vehicle] lane, comes to a halt.
Nearly 50,000 commuters currently use the program to bypass traffic on the Long Island Expressway.
The DMV has issued official letters confirming the change.
Without federal action, the program will expire on October 1 and take one of the state’s most visible EV incentives with it.
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Clean Pass is getting cut
The Clean Pass program was introduced to promote low-emission vehicles and ease congestion.
It allowed EV drivers and plug-in hybrid owners to use the HOV lane without meeting standard occupancy rules.
The program became popular among daily commuters, especially those navigating traffic-heavy corridors like the Long Island Expressway.
In recent weeks, the New York State DMV sent letters informing Clean Pass holders that the program will be ending.
According to the notice: “Congress and the President have not reauthorized the program.”
Once it ends, EV drivers will need to meet the same occupancy requirements as any other motorist to access the HOV lane.
More than 200,000 vehicles use the Long Island Expressway each day.
For many EV drivers, losing the Clean Pass removes one of the few consistent advantages available to them on the road.
Reactions have varied.
One driver, told FOX NEWS: “I just bought a Tesla. That was the only reason.”
Others have noted that while helpful, HOV lane access was not always the deciding factor when purchasing an EV.
What EV drivers lose now
Governor Kathy Hochul has publicly urged Congress to renew the Clean Pass.
Her Long Island Press Secretary, Gordon Tepper, said: “The responsibility lies squarely at the feet of Congress. It’s not costing the federal government any money, so why are we taking it away?”
However, some groups argue the Clean Pass has limited influence.
Robert Sinclair Jr. of AAA Northeast said most EV drivers do not mention HOV lane access as a top concern.
“There are 79,000 registered EVs on Long Island, and when people talk to us about EVs, the HOV lane doesn’t offer an advantage,” he said.
Even if it did not drive sales, the Clean Pass was a practical benefit that rewarded EV drivers with real-world time savings.
Its removal comes at a time when the state is encouraging a transition to electric vehicles.
No replacement has been proposed at the state level, and unless Congress acts soon, EV drivers will lose Clean Pass benefits for good.
The HOV lane will revert to standard rules, and nearly 50,000 affected drivers will find themselves back in regular traffic.
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Callum Tokody is a content writer at Supercar Blondie, where he covers the latest in the automotive world with a focus on design and performance. Callum has a background in automotive journalism and has contributed to a range of publications in Australia and the UK. Outside of work, he’s a design enthusiast with a soft spot for anything with a V8 and a good story.
